Having Tattoos Doesn't Make You a Bad Person, Surprise Surprise

Today we live in a world that judges you on first glance. We basically judge a book by its cover without even seeing what is inside. This becomes an issue when we are also a society that likes to express ourselves in creative ways like tattoos. Tattoos are a means to freely express yourself in an art form that just so happens to be on your body. Our society has decided to label a person with many tattoos as a bad and/or trashy person.

Growing up my parents were always against tattoos and told me that I should never get any. They explained that as I grew older that it would be harder for me to find a decent job as people would judge me on the tattoos I had on my body rather than my work ethic. Unfortunately, this is all too true.

When we see a person covered in tattoos we tend to associate them with the rough crowd and this is a problem.

Just because a person is covered in tattoos doesn’t mean they can’t work as hard as me or you. Just because they are covered doesn’t mean they are a bad person. These pieces of art in no way define the type of person who stands in front of you. I know there are tattoos out there that have bad meanings and are gang related but that doesn’t mean they all are.

For my 18th birthday, I got my first tattoo with my sister and we got them on our foot and the first thought I had was “this is easy to cover up”. This is not what we should be thinking. This is not what we should have to think when we get some ink.

We should be proud and allowed to show off these amazing pieces of art. I love my tattoo and sometimes wish I could show it off a little more.

Above is my sister's tattoo. She got part one of the saying.

Above is my tattoo. I got the second part of the saying.

In my experience, those who have tattoos turn out to be more good than bad like everyone likes to think. In fact, one of my coworkers, whom I have come to love and often refer to her as my work mom, has a ton of tattoos.

And while, yes, she does have a rough background, she works harder than most of the other people I work with. She still shows up to work on time and does her job even when she is sick as a dog.

Also, my loving boyfriend has quite a few tattoos up and down both arms and he is one of the nicest and most responsible people I know. He too gets up every day and goes to work like he is supposed to and pays his bills and makes an honest living.

He is a damn good worker and thankfully his current employer didn’t have a problem with his choice of art. Despite having this body art, he is still a good person, hard worker, and just like any other person his age without ink.

We all do it. It’s human nature to look and judge other people on their looks and such, but the key here is to notice when you do it and stop. I know I have done it in the past and felt horrible about after meeting the person.

But the reality here is that we shouldn’t judge others on their choice of expression because we don’t know their story and we don’t know them.

So, next time you go out to get some ink don’t worry about hiding it, express yourself freely. Don’t let society win, let’s change it. We have the power to stop the judgment that spreads, and we have the power to change it into something better.

I know that the next time I get a tattoo, which is hopefully soon, that I will not be too concerned with the placement, but rather the meaning behind it. And when I’m walking down the street and see someone, instead of judging them, I will admire their art.

7 Things You Do If You’re One Of Those 'I Always Order Chicken Tenders' People

Growing up, my mom would usually have to cook me a separate dinner from my siblings. Why? Because I was ridiculously picky and wouldn't eat the same foods as everyone else. Trust me, it gets old. It's not my fault certain things just taste gross, you learn to live with it.

1. You eat something you hate just to see if you still hate it

I'll take a bite of a burger every once in a while just to reaffirm that it still tastes like dirt. I just have to know. Don't even get me started on vegetables.

2. When trying to explain what you actually like to eat, people give you major side eye

Don't ask me about my eating habits unless you want to get into a long, confusing conversation.

3. Eating at someone else’s house when you were younger was a pain

You hate to tell their parents just how much you hate the food that they gave you. So, you sucked it up and ate it anyway only to come home and whine to your parents.

4. There’s one thing on any menu you always fall back on...even if it’s on the kids menu

Pizza, maybe. Chicken tenders, always.

5. Trying a new food is a very proud moment

It's like, wow! Look at me being all adventurous.

6. When you realize you actually like some new food, that’s an even more amazing moment

Crazy times. This rarely happens.

7. Sometimes it’s the texture, sometimes it’s the flavor, all the time it’s left on your plate

Oops. At restaurants it's either left on your plate or your order is very specified.

5 Pieces Of Trash You Can Turn Into DIY Gifts

I am broke. So, holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays sometimes put me in a bind. An empty bank account leads to a spike in creativity. I also care deeply about the environment. I try my best to do my part. Such as, making coffee at home instead of buying it or using a reusable water bottle.

One of my favorite pass times is making crafts. Craft supplies can be expensive, but using items I that I already have can save a lot of money. Plus, nothing beats a handmade gift. Homemade gifts come from the heart and people appreciate that. These gifts are good ideas for Christmas, birthdays, Valentine's Day, and anniversaries. So if you want to save money and the environment, like me, then these gifts are a good start.

1. Coffee cans

This is a coffee can that I turned into a gift for my boyfriend. I made it for Valentine's Day. All the supplies I needed was paint, paint brushes, wooden letters, and a hot glue gun. It can be used to hold kitchen utensils, writing utensils, change, and much more.

2. Water Bottles

This water bottle was turned into a fairy house. I choose to put an artificial candle in it. I gave this as a birthday present to some of my friends. The only supplies used for this project was paint, a water bottle, a fake flower, and a hot glue gun.

3. Lids

Assorted popcorn lids, coffee lids, and any other lids can be turned into wall art. This photo is a sign I made out of an assorted popcorn tin's lid. All I used was the lid, paint, glue, and sea shells.

4. Toilet Paper Rolls

Toilet paper rolls can be turned into many different things. This gift in particular was made for my roommate who loves to sing. The supplies used were a toilet paper roll, paint, pipe cleaners, and foam circles.

5. Glass Jars

For this project any glass jars work such as jelly jars, spaghetti jars, and pickle jars. I turned these jars into gifts for my family. They are used as vases.

Trash can be turned into some pretty rad gifts. The gifts in this article are some of the best presents I have ever given. I was able to make them perfectly for my perfect loved ones. These gift ideas are perfect if you are broke, want to save the environment, or want to make a special gift for someone you love.